MSEd in Applied Literacy

The Master of Science in Education in Applied Literacy program provides an opportunity for MTL students to complete their master's degree in a focused area (literacy). The program in Applied Literacy builds upon the curriculum and experiences of MTL and gives novice teachers increased skill in literacy instruction.

After completing initial teacher certification, MTL students can apply for admission to the Applied Literacy program. Although students may complete the 18 (elementary) to 21 (middle/secondary) credits required for the master's degree in approximately one and a half years, students have five years from matriculation in MTL to complete the Applied Literacy degree.

Requirements

Elementary level (K-8) MTL students take 6 credits in literacy, EDU 565 and EDU 566, as part of the curriculum. Secondary level (7-12) MTL graduates complete 3 credits in literacy through EDU 514. At the end of the teacher preparation period, students have accumulated a total of 33 graduate credits, 3 to 6 of them in literacy, and have met the requirements for certification as classroom teachers.

All undergraduate and graduate students who matriculate into an educator preparation program or pathway in USM summer 2013 or later are required to subscribe to the Tk20 online data management system. The subscription allows students to use the system for assessment, advisement, field-experience and career portfolio management. The subscription fee of $103 covers some of the expenses related to the administration and assessment of the program. For loan purposes, it will be eligible for consideration as part of costs. The subscription is a one-time payment and must be made by each student during the first semester of program or pathway matriculation (check with individual programs and pathways for specific subscription timelines). Subscription instructions are posted on the Office of Educator Preparation web site: http://usm.maine.edu/educatorpreparation

The Office of Educator Preparation at USM will consider, on a limited basis, individual requests for financial support to assist in payment of this fee for students who have challenging and extenuating financial circumstances (e.g. unexpected medical expenses; a sudden unforeseen life event that causes a dire financial burden). To apply for a subsidy, complete the application form on the Office of Educator Preparation web site under Tk20 (http://usm.maine.edu/educatorpreparation). Submit the application to Colleen Pleau in the Office of Educator Preparation (8 Bailey Hall) or via email (cpleau@usm.maine.edu). Applications for this subsidy must be received no later than four weeks following the start of a student’s matriculation semester by Kim Warren, SEHD Director of Student Affairs.

Admission Information

Application Deadline

May 1 for fall matriculation, October 1 for spring matriculation, and March 1 for summer matriculation.

Candidates should submit all application materials to the USM Office of Graduate Admissions, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104-9300 by the application deadline.